Engagements

News

11 March 2017 -
WEBBA Regionals

The band gave a very confident and musical performance in which the adjudicators praised the basses, and all soloists with several mentions for the Soprano (Tim Hamer).

The adjudicator summary said it all

"Despite a few mishaps - a properly delivered musical performance from a fine toned band. A little heavy on the quieter dynamics but a detailed reading nonetheless"

A good result which positions the band very nicely going into the 2018 contest joint third in the rankings table.

15 March 2016 -
6th place out of 16 bands at the regional contest

The band competed at the annual West of England regional championship contest in Torquay on 13th March. Despite a difficult number 1 draw, the band performed well and were pleased to be placed 6th out of 16 bands competing. The band has made excellent progress over the past year and reaps the rewards with this great result. The credit goes to all the players for their efforts and commitment, the band’s M.D, Phil Turner, for his dedication, leadership and musicianship and finally our avid supporters who cheer us on.

The adjudicators’ remarks are on the contests page.

08 September 2015 -
New members

The band are pleased to welcome 3 new players to the band. Michael Brown joins on back row cornet, Steve Morley on Bass Trombone and Miet Vandorpe on Euphonium. These new members fill some vacancies and prepare the band well for the upcoming contest season and Christmas concerts after a very busy summer schedule.

29 July 2015 -
Member returns to Bream Band

The band are delighted to announce that Tim Hamer has returned to the band to strenghten the solo cornet bench.

27 July 2015 -
The Proms proved popular

Bream Silver Band and the Chepstow Male Voice Choir

Bream Silver Band, under the baton of Musical Director, Phil Turner, were delighted to host the Chepstow Male Voice Choir at Lydney Town Hall last Sunday (26th) at what proved to be a rousing musical performance of traditional and contemporary music for the “Night at the Proms” concert. Compliments were plentiful as the audience showed their appreciation to both band and choir.

The opening band piece, “The Cossack” got feet tapping to this lively march which was followed by the glorious Rossini overture “The Barber of Seville”. Jenny Lane on principal cornet enthralled the audience with a beautiful rendition of a simple original theme by composer Goff Richards entitled “One Day”.

Taking up the baton next was Musical Director of Chepstow Male Voice, Frank Jones, recently appointed to this role. “What a Wonderful World”, “Unchained Melody” then favourites such as “Speed Your Journey” and “Cwm Rhonda” heard this sixty strong choir raise the roof. One of the very best choirs in the area, they demonstrated not only strength but finesse in their sensitive portrayal of these popular numbers, ably accompanied by pianists Kirsten Watson and Rosemary Lewis.

The stand out performance of the night was by euphonium player, Duncan Robertson who delivered a note perfect performance of the well-known solo “My Grandfather’s Clock”. Wife Julia and son James, who both play tenor horn were especially proud. This family commitment is typical with membership boasting several husband, wife, son, daughter and other relationships in this longstanding village band.

Advertised as a “Night at the Proms” Concert, the audience were not disappointed with the band delivering “Fantasia on British Sea Songs” including the ever popular “Sailor’s Horn Pipe” – a piece that gets progressively faster so that finally the audience have a job to keep up, and they’re only clapping! On to the patriotic tones of “Jerusalem” and finishing with a stunning delivery of “Land of Hope and Glory”, (part of “Pomp and Circumstance”) the combined forces of the band and choir had the audience cheering loudly and calling for more.

Bream Silver Band would like to thank everyone who attended for such warm and appreciative support. This is an annual concert and just one of the many that are given by the band during the course of the year. More information on the band, its members, future engagements and of course, how to become a member are on the band’s website at www.breamband.com

Left Frank Jones, Conductor of Chepstow Male Voice Choir enjoying a chat during the interval with Phil Turner, MD of Bream Silver Band.

Having recently formed a training band under the tutelage of Elizabeth Forster, herself a talented tuba player, Bream Silver Band extend a warm invitation to young and old who would like to learn to play a brass instrument or percussion kit. Instruments are provided. Likewise, experienced players who would like to become part of this exceptionally friendly and dedicated organisation are welcome. Please make contact through the website.

Elaine Turner (Press Officer)

22 January 2015 -
Changes around the band

In readiness for the forthcoming Area Contest, we are pleased to annouce that Jenny Lane is appointed as the bands principal cornet. Matthew Blore and Rob Walkerdine have moved onto the front row. Mollie Gwynne-Duggan moves upto 2nd Cornet and Alice Gwynne-Duggan leaves the percussion section to play 3rd Cornet. These moves also demostrate our commitment to developing our young players.

We said goodbye to Jack Lythaby at the end of December who left to take up a position in the Lydbrook Band. We wish him good luck for the future and thank him for his contribution over the last 18 months.

We also said goodbye to John Pretious who has retired from playing after a period of ill health. We thank him for his contribution and wish him a speedy recovery.

Julia Powell returned to the band on 1st Horn and Ann Henderson moved from Horn to 2nd Baritone to fill these vacancies.

Our only critical vacancy is 2nd Euphonium.

08 October 2014 -
Members return to Bream Band

We are delighted to annouce that Mollie and Alice Gwynne-Duggan have returned to the band on back-row cornet and tuned percussion respectively. As well as filling 2 vacancies, they have swelled the younger contingent of the band.

07 September 2014 -
Summer Reflection

A sunny early autumn Sunday afternoon seems the perfect time to sit and reflect on the band’s summer programme. A mixture of bandstands, fetes and private events kept our lips in and ensured that we all maintained a good practise schedule, important for the upcoming contesting season.

Despite the start of the summer being unprecedentedly warm, we weren’t always clutching our sunglasses to ensure we could read our music. Rain prevented one of our engagements at The Rising Sun at Moseley Green, and our annual march through Parkend at their Bank Holiday carnival was a very wet affair. But this is brass banding and we are always prepared and willing to endure such conditions. Lydney Hospital Fete was another wet weather day, but we carried on, much to the appreciation of our audience; Mary Thurston sent us this small message of thanks “ … thank you so much for supporting our fete in such difficult conditions. Your music was much appreciated ...”

But not all of the fete jobs were wet; we had a good afternoon in Soudley, supporting the fete committee and providing some good English entertainment – “… there is nothing like a band to add atmosphere to such an event. A sunny afternoon – after a dismal and unpromising morning – a large crowd wandering around the stalls, or just sitting and relaxing and a band playing. It couldn’t have been much better. Many thanks – Janet Griffiths”

Our Proms concert at Lydney Town Hall was a great evening; we were joined by the Chepstow Male Voice Choir and the concert was very well attended. Derek Biddle congratulated us, stating that the concert “… was the best yet ….” It’s always a fulfilling feeling receiving feedback like this.

Our final event of the summer programme is today at Malvern Bandstand, a lovely venue that always attracts a good crowd, particularly when the sun is shining. Now we look forward to the autumn contesting season. We have welcomed new players into the ranks and are working hard ready for, amongst others, the annual GBBA contest in Ross on Wye in November. Keep up to date with where we are playing and the all-important results by visiting the website.

Oh, and don’t forget, we are always happy to welcome new players. So if you fancy joining us for a blow, come along on a Tuesday or Thursday night, or give Phil or Barbara a call.

19 August 2014 -
Welcome to two new members

The Band would like to welcome Elizabeth Forster (Bb Bass) and Tony Wallace (Solo Trombone) to our ranks.

We are sure they will make a valuabale contribution and help strengthen the band in preparation for forthcoming contests and events.

Following the resignation of long standing cornet player, Wayne Williams, the band are now seeking a talented Principal Cornetist to join the ranks. Please contact the musical director, Phil Turner, in confidence on 07817 298164 should you require information about this vacancy.